The art of embroidery, which occupies a special place in the national heritage of the Turkmen people, is an invaluable treasure left as a gift by mothers and grandmothers. The graceful hands of the craftswomen, in whose creativity the warmth of the female soul is intertwined with sincere love, create a unique world of beauty. This craft has its roots deep in the centuries, as evidenced by finds dating back to the Mesolithic era, discovered as a result of archaeological excavations on the territory of Turkmenistan. Having been perfected over the centuries and passed down from generation to generation, embroidery has turned into a distinctive tradition of our people.
The remarkable statement of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov: "The inclusion of traditional Turkmen carpet making art and the art of embroidery in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has become official worldwide recognition of the unique talent, painstaking labor and high mastery of Turkmen women" – serves as the highest assessment of this beautiful craft. The traditions of embroidery are of enormous importance in the upbringing of the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and on the basis of the high moral values that have been formed over the centuries.
Guided by the words of the head of state and with the aim of popularizing the art of embroidery, the Central Council of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan, the secretariat of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO and the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography announced the competition "Turkmen Art of Embroidery – Our National Heritage." Skilled craftswomen – keepers of the family hearth – are taking part in the creative contest. In accordance with the regulations of the competition, a velayat stage was held in the eastern region of the country, featuring craftswomen and needlewomen who had won the etrap and city rounds.
It should be noted that the competition, held in the modernly equipped House of Culture of the city of Turkmenabat, turned into a genuine celebration of beauty. It clearly demonstrated the harmony of national heritage with the creative spirit of the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state.
According to the first condition of the competition, the participants competed by revealing their contribution to the development of the art of embroidery, as well as in the ability to select the tools necessary for the work in accordance with the specifics of the pattern. Within the framework of the second stage, they demonstrated their mastery, combining fine embroidery technique with a poetic description of the process itself. According to the third condition, the participants, guided by the principle "What is created by one's own hands adorns a person," dressed in the outfits they had embroidered themselves, accompanying their works with poetic lines, legends and gazals.
The high level of mastery of the participants confirmed that they had prepared thoroughly and with inspiration for this celebration of beauty. In determining the winners, special attention was paid to the observance of national traditions, the ability to carry oneself on stage, artistry and originality of presentation.
Based on the results of the velayat round of the competition "Turkmen Art of Embroidery – Our National Heritage," the winners were announced. The first place and a ticket to the state stage were won by the team of craftswomen from the Darganata etrap. The second place was awarded to participants from the Charjev and Danev etraps, and the third place was shared by the teams of needlewomen from the city of Turkmenabat, as well as the Sayat and Farap etraps.
The winners of the competition were presented with commemorative gifts from the Lebap Velayat Association of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan.
